Service has been restored to the website that handles Ohio's voter registration and elections information after hackers breached its defenses. The intrusion is just one of several assaults confronting the Secretary of State's office as tensions mount over next month's presidential election.
IT workers took the site down on …

COMMENTS

RETIRED FARMER

Hands off the public service

I can't understand why USians, who seem to get the whole 'separation of church and state' thing, don't get the 'separation of powers' thing when it comes to the public service (aka Civil Service).

Here in Oz, politicians (i.e. anyone voted into office) are supposed to have a completely hands-off approach to how the public service carries out its functions. It doesn't always work but it's salient to note that all of the voter frauds I can think of have been carried out by political party members outside the Australian Electoral Commission. No-one has ever accused the AEC of voter fraud.

Another thing, what's with the obsession of signing up as a Democrat or Republican (or something else) from age 18. All that does is firmly ensconce people into one of two opposing camps (be quiet, Libertarians). I think it discourages swinging voting and encourage a team mentality with respect to how people view political parties ('my team is better than your team') rather than an examination of policies.

Unfortunately, politics in Oz is heading the US way and getting nastier all the time.

Highway Patrol?

Internet Highway Patrol?

I know that some call it the Internet Highway, but what will the Highway Patrol do? I hope they don't go round in their police cars catching speeding packets and telling them to slow down. I am imagining them holding a Stop sign.

Too late...

A few answers

In most, if not all, US states the Highway Patrol is also the State Police and handles matters of a statewide nature. They have different departments for traffic safety, investigative functions and usually state level public office holder protection. In most states they are a fairly non-corrupt and professional policing unit.

As for the registering for a particular party, in some states, not sure how many, if you don't select a party you can't vote for anyone in primary elections, only general elections. Party selection at the time of voter registration also helps keep third parties out, the one thing Democrats and Republicans can agree on. I would also say that people pick a party so they have a feeling of belonging, a very basic human need.

Party Member?

Gee I've voted in elections since I was eligible (too many years ago) and I've never once had to register or sign up for a party. I just go to the polling place, show them my driver's licence and vote. I've even voted both sides of the ticket, democrat here, republican here. I've never ever known anyone that has voted straight down party lines, all my friends family vote on an individual basis. At any rate I don't live in Ohio, so I guess my states a bit more laid back. State laws govern elections in most cases and some states just do a better job of it then others.